HUNDREDS of worshippers yesterday openly wept during the
National Day of Prayer at State House in Harare when a man draped in the
country’s flag sat before them in chains symbolising many problems bedevilling
the country.
The National Day of Prayer was launched last month and is
being spearheaded by the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa
The First Lady planned the event with different churches
countrywide after recognising the different contributions made by churches in
nation building, upholding morality, fostering unity and peace.
The “bondage-free Zimbabwe act” which was performed by
Vision Protectors Ministry-led by Apostle Violet Magombo, brought everyone
present, including the First Lady, to tears.
The performance showed that 39 years after being freed from
British colonial rule, Zimbabwe was confronted with severe challenges that can
be overcome through prayers only.
While the country has strengthened its resolve to boost
production across almost all economic sectors, the efforts are not paying off
because of sanctions that were imposed by the West.
The country is also experiencing droughts and natural
disasters like Cyclone Idai that hit Manicaland Province and destroyed
villages, killed hundreds of people and livestock.
Unemployment is also a major challenge in the country where
thousands of people are not employed as companies have closed down owing to the
harsh economic climate caused by sanctions.
This is the second time the National Day of Prayer, a
non-political gathering, has been held at State House by hundreds of
congregants, bishops, pastors and heads of various churches, led by Amai
Mnangagwa.
During the launch of the first event, the First Lady urged
people to regularly pray for the nation and said it was the beginning of
regular such meetings every month.
The gathering prayed for unity and love among all
Zimbabweans, the country to increase its fruitfulness, for Zimbabwe to be a
healthy nation and for productivity in all sectors. Yesterday, the worshippers
prayed against natural calamities and all disease outbreaks.
Amai Mnangagwa addressed the gathering in Shona, praising
God’s greatness and protection for those that believe in him.
“Mwari hamuna ukoni, muri musiki nemuchengeti wevanhu vose,
mupi wenyasha dzomweya nepanyama. Tumirai makomborero, rudo, nyasha, kugarisana
nekubatsirana savanhu venyu. Mwari ivai netsitsi nengoni pamusoro pedu, nemhuri
dzedu, nenyika yedu yamakatipa inonzi Zimbabwe,” she prayed.
The First Lady said the National Day of Prayer will be
taken to other provinces to ensure everyone’s involvement and the need to
promote peace countrywide.
She joined other congregants in writing down their prayer
requests, pleading with God to free and heal Zimbabwe basing on a Bible verse 2
Kings 19 verse 14-16 which reads; “Hezekiah received the letter from the
messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it
out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: ‘LORD, the God of Israel,
enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the
earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your
eyes, LORD, and see’.”
Bishops, pastors, overseers and other church leaders took
turns to preach and pray on the selected prayer points, calling on the nation
to look up to the heavens for solutions to the problems Zimbabwe is facing.
In a message laden with hope for the future success of the
country, Overseer Coliwe Charukwa from AFM walked to the podium with a basket
full of fruits, symbolising a fruitful future for the country.
She said Zimbabwe was poised for abundance, which will see
it regaining its former breadbasket status. Bishop Viniel Zhou from Zaoga preached
on unity and love among Zimbabweans.
He said by spearheading the prayer initiative, the First
Lady had shown that Zimbabwe is a God-fearing nation.
He prayed for peace, love and unity to prevail in the
country. Apostle Latico Sande of Jesus Alive Ministries touched on Zimbabwe
being a healthy nation.
“We are gathered here for a solution to the problems the
country is facing. He has done it before and he will do it again, he has never
failed us. We are calling for restoration. We want a healthy nation. Hear us
Lord,” he said.
Other preachers present were Reverend Edmore Chiota from
Methodist, Dr Patience Hove, Bishop Gift Marufu, Rev Dr Lucky Mutanga and
Reverend Chikeya.
The First Lady and the worshippers left the National Day of
Prayer positive that change and fruitful returns were near. Herald
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